Calgary Canucks forward, Chase McMurphy, is the Canalta Hotels AJHL Player of the Week for the final week of 2014. McMurphy scored 4 goals and 3 assists for a total of 7 points in 3 games to wrap up the AJHL schedule prior to the holiday break. On December 17th, he recorded 4 goals and 5 points in a victory over the Olds Grizzlys and was awarded the Viterra AJHL Star of the Game. Chase also scored the game winning goal in the victory.

Chase McMurphy is a four year veteran of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. The 20 year-old from Chestermere, Alberta is committed to the University of Alaska Fairbanks for the 2015-2016 season.

McMurphy has accumulated 136 points over 182 regular season games in his career. To date, he has recorded 10 points in 10 games this season.

The Alberta Junior Hockey League is proud to partner with Canalta Hotels to continue recognition of the AJHL Player of the Week for the 2014-2015 AJHL Season.

Lyman (Hick) Abbott who was remembered Friday, June 13th was among the 2014 inductees into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in Regina. Earlier this Month Abbott's first world war medals were entered into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

The Abbott Memorial Cup, commonly referred to as the Abbott Cup, was awarded annually from 1919 through 1999 to the Junior "A" Champion for Western Canada was awarded following a round-robin game between the two western teams at the then-Centennial Cup. The last Junior A hockey team to win the Abbott Cup was the 1999 Vernon Vipers.

The Cup was named after Captain E.L. (Hick) Abbott who was a noted hockey player in Western Canada. He captained the Regina Victorias when it won the Junior Championship of Canada in 1913 and 1914. Captain Abbott died in active service in the First World War and the trophy was presented in his memory in 1919 by the Saskatchewan Amateur Hockey Association.

The concept of a Western Canada Junior A Championship continued in 2013 with the creation of the Western Canada Cup.

The Vernon Lakers - Vernon Vipers won the Abbott Cup four times (1989,1991,1992 & 1999)

For more info and history on the Abbott Cup, please check out the link below,

Last week was important for those of us who have worked to honour the memory of Lyman (Hick) Abbott.

Abbott, who was from Regina, was one of Western Canada’s best young athletes when he lost his life in the First World War.

Out of the Great War, he was awarded the Military Cross and Bar, along with the British War Medal. He is believed to be Regina’s highest-decorated veteran of that conflict.

Over time, those medals came to be in the possession of someone outside of the Abbott family. The good news is that recently, after a 2-1/2-year quest, those medals were secured by the Abbott family.

Last week, Mark Abbott, a representative of the family, presented the medals on loan to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. (Hick Abbott was a cousin of Mark Abbott’s grandfather, George Ira Abbott.)

The medals now are part of a display in the HHOF that honours First World War veterans.

Part of that display is the Abbott Memorial Cup, which is named in honour of Hick Abbott. Originally awarded to Western Canada’s top junior team, it was withdrawn from competition a few years ago.

Also included in the display is Abbott’s homemade identification bracelet that he was wearing when he was felled by a sniper on Aug. 14, 1918.

Mark Abbott presented the medals to Scott Veber, the HHOF’s creative director and curatorial associate, who organized the First World War display. Also on hand were Dave Thomson, who aided in the securing of the medals, and Walter Gretzky.

While the Abbott family worked to secure the medals, Hick Abbott was inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in Regina last summer.

It is believed that, once the HHOF exhibit closes, the Abbott family would like those medals to go on display at the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame.

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Idaho Steelheads have released former Vernon Vipers forward Pearce Eviston. Eviston signed to a try-out contract, attended the Steelheads Training Camp never played a game was released on October 13th 2014. Eviston is now an unrestricted free agent. No official press release from the Steelheads but the transaction was posted on the ECHL website/transactions page on October 13th 2014.

Eviston didnt play hockey last season, played parts of one season in Vernon (2012-13). The Vipers acquired the playing rights of Eviston from the Victoria Grizzlies on Seprember 19th 2011 for Jarryd Ten Vaanholt. Eviston currently playing with the WHL Portland Winterhawks at the time of the trade, joined-signed with the Vipers on August 3rd 2012. Eviston played in 34 regular season games with Vernon before being sent home. The Vipers ended up trading Eviston to Victoria on January 10th 2013 for future considerations.

Here is an article with former Vernon Vipers forward Mike Zalewski & his older brother Steve.

Zalewski attended the Canucks Prospects development camp in early July and was also at the Canucks Training camp this year got into some exhibition games with the Canucks before being sent down to the American Hockey League. In 14 games this season with the Utica Comets Zalewski has (1-goal-1-assist-2-points).

Zalewski left his third year at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) last season signing with the Canucks on March 17th 2014. Zalewski skated in his first NHL practice with the Canucks on March 21, 2014 before making his NHL debut on Saturday April 12 2014 in a 5-2 loss in Edmonton. Zalewski picked up his first career NHL point (assist) in a 5-1 win over the visiting Calgary Flames the following night. Zalewski played two season's in Vernon (2010-2012) In 106 regular season games with the Vipers Zalewski collected (50-goals-54-assists-104-points).

Utica, N.Y. — Six years separate brothers Mike and Steve Zalewski, a mere blip of time in the real world but a gap long enough to almost constitute an era in professional hockey.

Sitting together in a spare locker room in the Utica Memorial Auditorium earlier this week, the siblings from New Hartford still seemed worlds apart in many ways.

Mike, a 22-year-old who could pass for 18, is a sculpted 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, fresh out of college and on his first pro contract, a two-way deal with Vancouver.

Steve, 28, carries an unshaven look that adds a grizzled aura to his 6-foot, 195-pound frame, If he's not at the end of his North American hockey career, that destination is just a few exits away. He's on a tryout deal with the Comets and is coming off a bad knee injury incurred while playing in Finland last season.

For all the differences though, the forwards have arrived at a rare and important intersection of their careers together for the first, and perhaps last time.

After all those thousands of hours they have spent in junior, college and pro rinks following their shared passion of the sport, they finally have a chance to play as teammates.

And when it comes time to stuff their hockey scrapbooks, it doesn't get much better than that.

"Even when it happens, I don't think it's something you can put into words,'' Mike said.

Mike and Steve form the core of a hockey-rich family that included five children who soaked in the game. Older brother Richard played at Oswego; younger sister Annika skates at Colgate.

The two pros were obviously the most talented of the group, but because of their age difference didn't get much of a chance to play with or against each other.

"I think when you're younger, anybody who has grown up with older brothers, pretty much everything about him is the coolest thing,'' Mike said.

Steve played four seasons at Clarkson and was a fifth-round draft pick by San Jose in 2004. He skated for Worcester of the AHL from 2007-11, peaking with 22 goals and 40 assists for that team in 2009-10. He also earned three games with San Jose.

He then jumped to the New Jersey organization for three years, playing mostly in Albany but also getting seven games up top. He skated in Finland last season, an adventure that was delayed half a season by his knee injury.

Steve wanted to come back to North America this season, but by his own admission he didn't draw a lot of interest. Utica's tryout offer gives him at least a shot and carries the added bonus of playing in his backyard.

"I was pretty excited to hear that,'' Mike said of his reaction when Steve signed. "I didn't want to get my hopes up until I heard something. Hopefully, it works out for both of us.''

While Mike is on his way up, Steve clearly doesn't see himself on his way out.

"This has been a lot of fun, getting back after the long summer,'' he said. 'But I don't see it as being in the twilight of my career. Physically, I feel like I can keep playing. I feel really good. As you get older, you have a better idea of what it takes. You take care of your body better.''

Mike worked his way up with the Syracuse Stars junior team and played the last two seasons at RPI. He was never drafted, although he opened enough eyes at that school last year that Vancouver offered him a free agent pact. He played two games for the Canucks at the end of last season, recording an assist.

"There seems to be a good opportunity in this organization,'' Mike said. "I felt it was time to move on and get acclimated to the (pros).''

Utica opened camp this week, giving the brothers a chance to start building the professional side of their relationship.

"It's fun running a few drills together. But he's like any other teammate on the ice,'' Steve said.

"When you're out there playing, you're just worried about playing,'' Mike said. "Obviously, it's cool to be playing with your older brother. But you don't think about it on the ice.''

Steve said his veteran's advice to Mike was to keep doing the same things that put him in this position in the first place.

"I think the biggest thing is to not ever change your mindset because you are playing professional hockey,'' Steve said. "If anything, it's easier when you're young. You keep going out there, playing, enjoying it. You accept there is a business side to it (now). You can't really get caught up in it.''

Mike appreciates the chance to look to his brother for more than just a pass.

"I think he's already made a great career for himself,'' he said. "Pretty much everywhere he's been, he's been successful. That's given me something to look up to, try to do myself. I don't see him as old. We're still training just as hard as we can.''

Still, shadows of the older brother-younger brother dynamic remain.

When asked to compare himself to Mike, Steve pointed out that his sibling might be a little flashier and have more of a power forward game, but that they share good ice vision and an understanding of the sport.
When the same question was posed to Mike, he basically summed it up with a deferential "whatever he says'' agreement with Steve.

"It's exciting to see it all come together for him,'' Steve said. "He's still the younger brother. That's how that works.''

Monday, December 29, 2014

Former Vernon Vipers forward Tyler Scofield has left the Moser Medical Graz 99ers hockey team. Scofield recently signed with the Moser Medical Graz 99ers on October 6th 2014 before leaving the team on November 4th 2014.

The Moser Medical Graz 99ers are an Austrian ice hockey team from Graz, Styria that play in the Erste Bank Eishockey Liga hockey league. Scofield collected (5-goals-0-assists-5-points) in eight games with Graz 99ers spent the past four seasons in Austria with Klagenfurter Athletiksport. Klagenfurt AC is a professional ice hockey team from Klagenfurt, Carinthia, Austria that plays in the Austrian Erste Bank Hockey League. In 49 games last season Scofield collected (18-goals-10-assists-28-points).

Scofield played parts of two seasons in Vernon (2000-2002) before being traded to Prince George during the 2001-2002 season. The Vipers sent Scofield and Mark Nelson to the Spruce Kings in return for Rod Pelly, Dan Rossi & Josh Ciocco. In 79 games with the Vipers Scofield collected (21-goals-19-assists-40-points).

Sporting decisions at the Moser Medical Graz 99ers: Defender Tyler Cuma was equipped with a contract until the end of the season. Stephen Werner, Willie Coetzee and Marek Zagrapan, the Try-Out period was extended until 17 November (24 hours). Jesse Jyrkkiö and Roberts Jekimovs must leave, however, the Styria. Tyler Scofield leaves on his own request the 99ers. #WeAreEBEL

I found this video-interview with former Vernon Esso's goaltender Jack Gilroy. The video-interview was done in May at the 2014 Royal Bank Cup in Vernon. I know it's old and many of you may have seen it, but I thought I would post it for the fans who have yet to see it.

This was on Global News website:

Decades of dedication to Vernon hockey

May 15, 2014

By and Lauren Pullen Global News

VERNON — At Vernon’s Kal Tire Place, everybody knows his name.

Jack Gilroy has been watching Vernon junior hockey from the sidelines for more than 40 years.

“I’ve been coming so long I don’t need to bring my pass I know all the staff its pretty good for me,” says Gilroy.

“Jack is at every game, always with a kind word to say. He’s a great guy to have around,” says Vernon Vipers owner, Duncan Wray.

Gilroy without a question is a diehard fan, but his story doesn’t end there.

His roots run deep with the organization as he once donned a Vernon junior hockey jersey.

Gilroy was a goalie in the late 60’s for the then Vernon Esso’s. He left the valley for a few years to pursue his hockey dreams, but he left his heart in Vernon.

“Wendy and I had been going together since she was 17 years old, we have three kids and Vernon is home,” says Gilroy.

“I married the owners daughter so I’m not a dumb goalie,” he chuckles.

Gilroy says many alumni from the organization have also settled in Vernon and many, just like him, still support the local team.

Sunday, December 28, 2014

The American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks have assigned former Vernon Vipers defenceman Kyle Bigos to the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Ontario Reign. No official press release from the Sharks but the transaction was posted on the ECHL website/transactions page on October 12th 2014.

The Worcester Sharks recently signed Bigos on September, 8th 2014. Bigos attended the San Jose Sharks Training camp this year before being released-assigned to the American Hockey League.

Bigos spent last season with three different teams (San Francisco, Ontario & Worcester). Bigos signed his first semi-pro contract with the Worcester Sharks on July, 16th 2013. Bigos attended the San Jose Sharks Training Camp last year before being released back to Worcester where he was then assigned to the East Coast Hockey League San Francisco Bulls on October, 1st 2013. In 40 games with the Bulls Bigos collected (2-goals-4-assists-6-points) before the team ceased operations in late January. Bigos become an unrestricted free agent signed with East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Ontario Reign playing in 19 games collected (1-goal-4-assists-5-points). Bigos was called up to the AHL played in five games with the Worcester Sharks registered one assist before being sent back down to the ECHL.

Bigos played two seasons in Vernon (2007-2009) collecting (10-goals-40-assists-50-points) in 166 regular season games with the Vipers. Bigos an assistant captain in his second and final season with the Vipers was drafted 99th overall by the NHL Edmonton Oilers in the 4th round of the 2009 NHL Draft. Bigos attended the Oilers Developement Camp two out of the last three years. The Edmonton Oilers traded Bigos to San Jose for Lee Moffie on July 7th 2013.

The Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) Dynamo Riga have
signed former Vernon Vipers defenceman Chay Genoway. Dynamo Riga is a professional ice hockey team based in Riga, Latvia. It is a member of the Bobrov Division of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).

Genoway spent the past two seasons with the American Hockey League (AHL) Houston Areos and Hershey Bears. The Minnesota Wild signed Genoway to an entry-level contract on April, 12th 2011. Genoway made his NHL debut with the Minnesota Wild on April, 7th 2012 collecting 1 assist and being named 2nd star vs the Pheonix Coyotes. Genoway spent parts of two seasons with the Wild farm club in Houston before the Wild traded Genoway to the Washington Capitals on March 14th 2013. Genoway never played a single game with the Capitals played the past season and a half with the Caps farm club in Hershey.

Genoway played one season in Vernon (2005-2006). In 56 regular season games with the Vipers Genoway collected (17-goals-32-assists-49-points).

Dynamo Riga consists of 27-year-old will complement the Canadian guard Chay Genoway, who last season played for the AHL Club HERSHEY bears. Hockey player has already arrived in Riga and start with the team preparing for the new season.

Chay (full name Charles Edgar) Genoway (height 175 cm, weight 80 kg) born 20 December 1986 in the Canadian town of Morden (Manitoba province). During his career he was 5 Seasons (2006-2011) is spent in the NCAA championship team at the University of North Dakota, where 168 games scored 26 goals and 101 assists in effective, as well as got a university degree in business administration. summer 2011 Chay Genoway signed a contract with the NHL Club Minnesota WILD, which both played in only one game (one fruitful return in assists), mostly playing in the AHL HOUSTON Aeros who fārmklub 129 games scored 11 goals and 44 assists in efficient. After less than two seasons.

Minnesota WILD Chay Genoway in 2013 in March was traded to the WASHINGTON capitals, which consist of both uzspēlēj, but not fārmklub in the AHL HERSHEY bears 65 games with select 5 gates and 15 assists for the performance. 2013/2014 season Chay Genoway HERSHEY bears consisting of 52 games, scored 4 goals and 10 assists in the efficient, but overall he's spent 194 AHL games, which have been given up 16 goals and 75 assists in efficient.

Saturday, December 27, 2014

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Greenville Road Warriors have signed former Vernon Vipers forward Ryan Santana.

Santana played his first professional hockey career last year with the ECHL Reading Royals & South Carolina Stingrays before signing with the ECHL Tulsa Oilers this season.

The Oilers signed Santana on October 11th 2014. Santana never played a game with Tulsa before being released on October 15th 2014. Santana finished four years at Boston University before signing his first pro contract with the East Coast Hockey League Reading Royals on August 6th 2013. After playing in just 12 games with the Royals (going pointless) Santana was released on March 6th 2014 before being re-signed on March 9th 2014 and just three days later was released on March 12th 2014 for a second time last season. Santana was picked up off waivers on March 15th 2014 by the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) South Carolina Stingrays where he would finish the season. In 12 games last season with South Carolina Santana collected two assists.

Santana played one season in Vernon (2008-2009) In 56 games with the Vipers collected (12-goals-13-assists-25-points).

Fort Wayne, IN - The Greenville Road Warriors, proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, today announced winger Josh Nicholls has been recalled to Hartford by New York. In addition, second-year center Ryan Santana has been signed to a contract.

A second-year pro, Nicholls made nine appearances for the Road Warriors this season and earned nine points (4g, 5a), six penalty minutes and a +1 rating. At the time of his call-up, the 22-year old had recorded points in five of his last seven games (4g, 3a) including his first-career three-point effort (1g, 2a) Friday night in Toledo.

A native of Tsawwassen, British Columbia, Nicholls spent the majority of last season with Greenville, where he finished fourth on the team in goals (20) and fifth in points (42) while playing 63 games. He also played six games with Hartford during his rookie campaign in 2013-14.

Prior to turning pro, the 6’2, 186-pound forward spent five seasons in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Saskatoon Blades from 2008-2013. In 332 career games, he produced 313 points (138g, 175a) and 206 penalty minutes. Nicholls was drafted in the seventh round (#182 overall) by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Santana, 26, split his rookie campaign last season between the Reading Royals and South Carolina Stingrays. In 24 combined contests, he notched two assists and four penalty minutes.

A native of Yorba Linda, California, Santana played four seasons at Boston University from 2009-2013. In 122 games, he registered 23 points (6g, 17a) and 34 penalty minutes. Prior to his college career, the 6’1, 195-pound center played two seasons of junior hockey in the United States Hockey League (USHL) with Green Bay and Des Moines. He also spent one season in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) with Vernon, where he helped win the 2009 BCHL Championship.

Follow: Keep up with the Road Warriors all season long and interact with other fans on the Official Road Warriors Facebook, Twitter, Pintrest and Instagram pages.

Teddy Bear Toss (VIDEO): Friday, December 5th is the annual “Teddy Bear Toss” benefiting Toys for Tots! All fans are encouraged to bring a stuffed animal to the game to throw onto the ice after the Road Warriors score their first goal. All stuffed animals will be collected and donated to Toys for Tots. December 5th is also the Warriors annual “Sing for Santa” game Enjoy school choirs performing holiday favorites during the first intermission as the Road Warriors battle Orlando at 7:00 p.m. The popular Warrior Fun Pack is also available for the December 5th game. For just $60 fans can receive four (4) tickets, four (4) hot dogs, four (4) bags of chips, four (4) soft drinks and two (2) Warriors drawstring bags! Visit GreenvilleRoadWarriors.com for more information or to purchase the Warrior Fun Pack.

Greenville continues a season-long, eight-game road trip tonight with a 7:30 p.m. EST puck drop against the Fort Wayne Komets at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. Go to ECHL.TV to listen or watch the game live. The next home game is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 4th against Orlando. For tickets or more information, please call a Road Warriors Account Executive at 864-674-PUCK or visit GreenvilleRoadWarriors.com/tickets-overview.html!

Referee Cydnie Rice never saw herself working on the officiating side of the game, but since she started six years ago she couldn't imagine doing anything else.
As a female hockey player, Cydnie Rice dreamed of playing at the highest level.
She couldn't even fathom she would one day be invited to hit the ice with the men's junior A British Columbia Hockey League. Part of an elite team of four, Rice skated not as a player but as an official. She swapped her stick for a whistle six years ago and has never looked back.

"I couldn't even imagine if you told me as a player that one day I would be officiating. I was one of the players that refs didn't like. I was always grumpy," said Rice. "Even the first time my dad signed me up for an officiating clinic I didn't want to go, but putting on that whistle completely changed my view of the game."

After a 17-year hockey career, which included playing for her regional U18 team in the Kootenays, she now finds herself climbing the ladder of success in hockey, just on a different path.

A linesman and referee in all levels of minor hockey in the Kootenays; she has also acted as a head official for male midget tier two, in several provincial tournaments, and CIS games at UBC, as a linesman at the U18 female nationals, Esso Cup, men's junior B, the B.C. Winter Games and is the referee in charge for Kimberley.

Getting the call to line a BCHL game was a moment she had long been waiting for.

"As a female pushing into male hockey, it isn't the easiest thing to do because there is so much competition in Vancouver and the Okanagan. I just kept pushing myself and now I am the first female to officiate a BCHL game. It is a big barrier jump for not only me, but female officials," she said.

Not sure what to expect at the junior A level, Rice admits she was more excited than anything. That is until she stepped out the dressing room full of nervous energy and headed to where the Coquitlam Express and Langley Rivermen were about to face off. A moment of brevity broke the ice, pun intended.

"I took my first step onto the ice and fell on the mat outside the door with the camera person behind me. I guess that is where the anthem singer stands and I didn't see it. My face went beet red and when I looked up there was my dad applauding me," she said, laughing as she recounts the fall.
As soon as the anthem started, Rice said her mind flipped a switch and she was in game mode. Those who have watched her polish her skills as an official expect nothing less.

"She is one of the more accomplished female elite officials in this province. The BCHL recognized an opportunity to give her the next step," said Sean Raphael, Referee in Chief with B.C. Hockey. "It is a bit of an unprecedented situation for a female in our province, and in fact, anywhere across the country that they get to this level. Cydnie has done a lot of the same things male officials do to establish themselves and she deserved it."

Rice said the BCHL is just one of the stepping stones to what she hopes to become a career.

"My goal is to take my officiating to an international level, as well as to continue to push my officiating on the male side as far as I can. That means continuing in the BCHL and I would like to one day get to the WHL," said Rice.

Prior to the BCHL games she was invited to line, Rice reffed the national women's hockey team in an exhibition match in Kamloops in the days leading up to the 4 Nations Cup. While the 25-year-old has goals of enduring in the BCHL, she also wants to ref a junior B game in the KIJHL, another female first in the province, and make her way to the 2018 Olympics in Korea on the women's side of the game.

"For me it is something I want to be successful at. It's more exciting for me to be an official and a harder challenge to be one of three or four on the ice than it is a 20-player roster," said Rice.

Just like a player moving through the ranks, Rice must keep in top shape. She trains in the offseason, as a player would, progressing her endurance, strength and power skating. Especially since she needs to get in the middle of guys twice her size to break up scrums, something she has no qualms about.

“In one my first-ever midget boys games there was a line brawl. I skated right into the middle of it, ripping guys off each other and holding them apart. I don't even think about it, I just do it," said Rice.

Even though Rice is making quite a name for herself in the officiating world, many know her only as the woman who sits behind a desk and sells insurance in Kimberley.

"There have been a couple of times people will be in the office and talking about the junior B team in town and they ask if I will be at the arena to watch the game too," said Rice. "I tell them I will be on the ice and they look at me strangely. Then it sinks in, 'oh, you are the female ref. We always wondered who that was.'"

Friday, December 26, 2014

The American Hockey League (AHL) Adirondack Flames have
signed former Vernon Vipers defenceman Curtis Gedig to a two-way, AHL contract and then assigned him to the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Colorado Eagles.

Gedig attended the Calgary Flames Training camp this October before being released-assigned to the Adirondack Flames.

After four years at Ohio State University (2010-2014), Gedig signed an amateur tryout agreement with the American Hockey League (AHL) Albany Devils on April 4th 2014. Gedig never played a game with the Devils was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in round 7 #204 overall in the 2009 NHL draft. Gedig played parts of one season in Vernon (2009-10) after being aquired from the Cowichan Valley Capitals on November 25th 2009 for Nick Amies, Drew George & future considerations. In 30 games with the Vipers Gedig collected (5-goals-7-assists-12-points).

Glens Falls, NY – The Adirondack Flames announced today that goaltender Doug Carr has been loaned to the Colorado Eagles of the ECHL. The team also announced that it has signed defenseman Curtis Gedig to a two-way, AHL contract and assigned him to Colorado.

Carr, 25, had yet to appear in a regular season contest with the Flames this season. The Hanover, MA native turned aside all 21 shots he faced during 40 minutes of action during the preseason. Carr appeared in two AHL contests a season ago with the Abbotsford Heat and recorded a 1-0-1 record with a .925 save percentage and a 1.92 goals against average.

Gedig, 23, had attended NHL training camp with the Calgary Flames and AHL training camp in Glens Falls on a tryout basis. The defenseman was released from his tryout with Adirondack on October 7. Gedig was held scoreless in one preseason contest with Adirondack.

WINDSOR, Colo. – The Colorado Eagles, ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Calgary Flames and the AHL's Adirondack Flames, announced that defenseman Curtis Gedig and goaltender Doug Carr have been assigned to the team by Calgary.

Gedig, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound defenseman, spent the past four seasons at Ohio State University, where he collected 51 points (7g-44a) in 133 games. Gedig made the jump to the NCAA level after spending two seasons in the BCHL with the Merritt Centennials, Cowichan Valley Capitals and Vernon Vipers. The Westbank, British Columbia native finished his time in the BCHL with 39 points (15g-24a) in 99 games and helped capture a BCHL championship with the Vipers in 2010.

Carr, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound netminder recently concluded a standout career at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, where he played in 86 games over four seasons, finishing with a cumulative goals-against average of 2.58 and a .915 save percentage. Carr won a Hockey East Championship during his time with UMass-Lowell in 2013, after being named a Hockey East All-Star with the River Hawks in 2012. The Hanover, Mass. native went on to play in four games last season with the Abbotsford Heat of the AHL, where he posted one shutout, a 1.92 goals-against average and a .925 save percentage.

Here is an article I come across on former Vernon Vipers forward
Mike Santorelli who is in his first season with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Santorelli signed with the Maple Leafs as a free-agent after one season in Vancouver. The Leafs signed Santorelli on July 3rd 2014. Santorelli was drafted by the Nashville Predators in Round 6 178th overall at the 2004 NHL Entry Draft played parts of two seasons with the Predators before being traded to the Florida Panthers on August, 5th 2010. Santorelli spent three seasons in Florida (2010-2013) before being claimed off waivers by the Winnipeg Jets on April 3rd 2013. Santorelli finished the season with the Jets before signing as a free agent July 7th 2013 with the Vancouver Canucks. In 49 games with the Canucks this past season Santorelli picked up (10-goals-18-assists-28-points).

Santorelli who was acquired in a off season trade with the Langley Hornets played one season in Vernon (2003-2004). In 60 regular season games with the Vipers Santorelli collected (43-goals-53-assists-96-points).

TORONTO — The Canadian dollar is taking a beating, and from a distance it would be easy for the uneducated to conclude the same is happening to Mike Santorelli’s career.

Four teams in four NHL seasons and a 29th birthday on the horizon. Tossed aside by the Canucks in the club’s bid to get younger and bigger — and then tossed a free-agency bone by the Toronto Maple Leafs with a one-year, $1.5-million-US contract — there was no guarantee the Vancouver native would even make the team.

On Thursday, he was playing right wing on the second line with Nazem Kadri and Joffrey Lupul and played a multi-dimensional game that had a common denominator — effort.

There’s simply too much in Santorelli’s game to ignore. Too much try, versatility and resiliency and nine points in a seven-game span — including a deft second-period deflection Thursday for his fourth goal and a short-handed assist in a 5-3 loss to the New Jersey Devils — to make his future more secure than suspect.

And if economics dictate that the salary cap ceiling will remain at $69 million next season, veterans willing to play on a short term at a bargain rate are going to have jobs. Santorelli has 18 points in 25 games, including a career-high three assists Tuesday against Dallas. That gets noticed. He was the best Leaf on Thursday.

“It’s nice to be back in a Canadian market again, but you have to prove yourself each and every night, and that’s my mindset always,” said the soft-spoken Santorelli. “I just stick with the process and keep getting better and it’s all about every day — it doesn’t matter if you have a one-year or a six-year contract. We weren’t sharp from the start tonight and it wasn’t our ‘A’ game for sure. They got in on the forecheck and got on the body and turned pucks over and got pucks to the net. They worked hard.”

Which is what the Leafs have been doing more often than not of late. And Santorelli has been the straw to stir the drink in combining with Kadri and Lupul for a dozen points in the last two games.

“It’s his work ethic,” said Kadri. “He’s got that tenacity and relentlessness. I enjoy playing with him and we’ve found some chemistry as a line. It’s that sense of desperation in having to play your heart out (with a one-year contract) and either way he’d be doing the exactly the same thing.”

It’s the antithesis of another former Canuck, David Booth. The mercurial winger played just his fourth game on the fourth line Thursday after recovering from a pre-season foot fracture. A compliance buyout because the Canucks weren’t going to cough up the $4.75 million remaining on the final year of his deal, he’s a $1.1-million low-risk signing by the Leafs, but at age 30 appears to be a step closer to becoming a full-time outdoor enthusiast.

Not Santorelli. While you could argue that he couldn’t bump a current Canuck from a roster spot — especially if age and size are determining factors — what he’s given the Leafs is a work ethic that’s often waning as it was in being outworked by the Devils. Somebody even threw a jersey on the ice.

“We were flat and weren’t sharp — that was obvious,” added Kadri, who had the other Leafs goal while Eric Gelinas, Stephen Gionta, Mike Cammalleri, Steve Bernier and Adam Henrique scored for the Devils. “We turned the puck over too many times and fed their offence.”

Toronto was unbeaten in its last five regulation games heading into Thursday, and when you add 10 players on the final year of their contracts, motivation is going to be high.

And it will be for Santorelli on Saturday when the Canucks visit. His season was buried by shoulder surgery last January just when the club wanted to get a stretch-drive read on Santorelli, who had 10 goals and 28 points in 49 games. He was also on a one-year, two-way contract and making just $550,000 at the NHL level. But even a change in management and coaching didn’t change the collective thinking that the club was heading in a different direction. Is Santorelli bitter? Even his uncle, Tony, a security guard outside the Canucks locker-room, isn’t at Rogers Arena anymore.

“Not at all,” stressed Santorelli. “I had such a great time there with such a great group of guys and being born and raised there, it was exciting. I really didn’t hear much about a contract and the injury was obviously frustrating, but that’s hockey. You’ve just got to go with what you’re dealt and all that is over and in the past.”

What’s in the present is Saturday and a long-awaited game against a franchise he idolized. He grew up following Pavel Bure and admired Markus Naslund.

“It’s going to be a special night,” said Santorelli. “They’re doing a great job and really playing well and we’re going to be in for a tough task.”

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Its the first annual Vernon Vipers Christmas Quiz 2014 presented by Century 21. Hockeytube.net sat down with the BCHL Vernon Vipers to test them on their Christmas knowledge as well find out who on the team has been naughty and nice this season. Happy Holidays to the Vernon Vipers fans and family.

Former Vernon Vipers forward Aaron Volpatti is close to returning to the NHL after undergoing a neck-fusion procedure over six months ago.

Volpatti is in his third season with the Washington Capitals has spent the past five years in the NHL with the Capitals & Vancouver Canucks.

Volpatti never drafted spent four years with Brown University before signing as a free agent with the Vancouver Canucks on March 22, 2010. Volpatti played parts of two and a half seasons with the Canucks before being claimed off waivers by the Washington Capitals on February 28th 2013. Volpatti played three seasons in Vernon (2003-2006) In 137 regular season games with the Vipers Volpatti collected (13-goals-24-assists-37-points).

Almost six months ago, forward Aaron Volpatti underwent a neck-fusion procedure, which at once fixed a lingering issue and foretold a recovery timetable now nearing its end. The 29-year-old left winger has spent weeks sporting non-contact jerseys, practicing and traveling with Washington and, recently, absorbing some contact. The Capitals can remove Volpatti from long-term injured reserve Sunday. He feels close.

“It’s that last 10 percent I’m waiting for, taking a little bit longer than I hoped,” Volpatti said Friday, before he and the Capitals flew to Tampa. “I don’t have a timetable, but it feels good. Like I said, the last month it’s been hard to get over that plateau, that last 10 percent. That patience is being tested. It’s one of those things where I have to make sure it’s fully healed. I’ve been dealing with it for a long time right now. Can’t keep going the way I have. Just really got to make sure, especially with contact, that’s the biggest thing.”

If hockey featured no contact, or maybe even if he played a less physical game, Volpatti would have been comfortable returning sooner. But because his five-year NHL career has featured nearly 20 times more penalty minutes (137) than points (seven), a weak neck means unproductive ice time.

“I just got to wait here until I’m cleared,” he said. “It’s just a little bit of stiffness, a little bit of pinch in there that’s taking a little longer to go away than I thought. I’m still going to meet with the doctors, ask him to what extent I can play with all that stuff. It’s more ‘Am I at risk to hurt it?’ No timetable, but hoping it’ll be soon.”

Unlike defenseman Dmitry Orlov, another long-term injured-reserve member relegated to individual workouts early each morning, Volpatti joined team practices several weeks ago. Though Coach Barry Trotz predicted the Capitals would send Volpatti to Hershey on a conditioning loan, allowed without waivers according to the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement, taking fourth-line repetitions offered a gradual adjustment back into the rigors of game speed.

“It’s obviously been good. The first couple skates a few weeks ago when I came back to practice — you recognize how much the pace has picked up compared to what you’re doing on your own,” Volpatti said. “My patience is tested at times when I can’t do the contact stuff, so sometimes I sit around a little bit. But it’s worth it to get the reps in on the other drills where I can get my tempo up.”

The conditioning loan also buys Washington time to sort its current logjam at forward. Whenever Brooks Laich (shoulder) returns, likely sometime next week, the Capitals will have 14 healthy forwards, and Volpatti would make it 15. Liam O’Brien has impressed through nine games in his rookie season, but he and Volpatti bring similar fourth-line, grinding styles.

“You got to bring the things that he’s brought, and that’s the physical element, be reliable and contribute a little bit and know your role,” Trotz said. “He does. I don’t see any problem — roster problem maybe, but not in terms of the player.”

If the Capitals want Volpatti in Hershey beyond the conditioning loan, which cannot exceed “the longer of six days and three games,” he would need to pass through waivers, which is how Volpatti wound up in Washington two Februaries ago, claimed from Vancouver. So the future remains uncertain. Volpatti simply wants to get back.

“Just want to put it behind me,” he said. “Make sure it’s fully healed so I don’t have to deal with it anymore.”

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

The American Hockey League (AHL) Providence Bruins have assigned former Vernon Vipers forward Kory Kane to the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) South Carolina Stingrays. Kane attended the Boston Bruins Training camp in October before being released-sent down to the AHL Providence Bruins.

Kane finished four years at Ferris State University (2010-2014) before signing a PTO (player tryout) contract with the American Hockey League (AHL) Providence Bruins on April, 7th 2014. In 4 games last season with the Bruins Kane registered (0-goals-1-assist-1-point). Kane played two years in Vernon (2008-2010) In 119 regular season games with the Vipers Kane collected (42-goals-55-assists-97-points).

North Charleston, S.C. – The South Carolina Stingrays, celebrating 22 seasons of hockey in the Lowcountry, received forward Cory Kane on assignment from the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League (AHL) and goaltender Brandon Anderson from the Hershey Bears (AHL) by the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Kane, 24, skated in two games with the Bruins this season picking up two penalty minutes and earning a plus-minus rating of +1. Last season, the Irvine, California, native appeared in four games with Providence adding one assist upon completion of a four-year collegiate career at Ferris State University. With the Bulldogs, Kane totaled 68 points (34 goals, 34 assists) in 144 contests and helped capture the 2011-12 CCHA regular-season championship.

Entering his third professional season, Anderson, 22, ranked second in the ECHL last season with 25 wins and stood seventh among league goaltenders with a 2.35 goals-against average in 39 appearances with the Reading Royals. Overall, the Langley, British Columbia, product went 25-10-2 with a .916 save percentage. During the 2012-13 campaign, Anderson appeared in 16 contests with the Royals going 8-6-1 with a 3.18 goals-against average and .876 save percentage and helped the organization capture their first Kelly Cup Championship.

The Stingrays close a season-opening three-game road trip on Friday, October 24 at 7:00 p.m. against the Greenville Road Warriors at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.

Of all the Vernon Vipers heading home for the holidays, T.J. Dumonceaux probably had the most to look forward to.

The 20-year-old Kelowna forward is probably just getting over his first sunburn as he kicks back with his family somewhere on a beach in Hawaii.

But if his mind was preoccupied by sunny climates Saturday night at Kal Tire Place, it certainly didn’t show as he led the Vipers with two goals and plenty of hustle as the Snakes swarmed the Powell River Kings 5-2 in front of 1,700 B.C. Hockey League fans.

“It’s a lot more fun going into the break with a win and that’s where our heads were at,” said Dumonceaux, who fired the winner 13:56 into the second period, and added insurance four minutes into period three. He now has 16 snipes on the season.

“None of us were really thinking about after the game, we were all in the moment. It’s what you need before a break because it is tough to play a game like that right before you’re going home.”

The second-place Vipers, who improved to 22-10-1-2, enter the break six points clear of the West Kelowna Warriors (18-12-0-5), who fell 7-2 at home to the Penticton Vees Friday.

Vernon returns to action against the BCHL-leading Vees (28-5-2-1) Friday, Jan. 2, at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

Vernon outshot Powell River 49-25, and had fired seven pucks at towering netminder Stefan Wornig by the three-minute mark. However, the Kings (15-12-0-7) opened the scoring with their first shot of the game at 4:23 when Jarid Lukosevicius collected the first of his two goals, beating Jarrod Schamerhorn clean from the high slot.

Thomas Aldworth (26th goal) replied later in the first on a Viper rush with Liam Coughlin, using a seamless release to beat Wornig, high gloveside.

The momentum really swung Vernon’s way after they killed off a charging minor to Riley Brandt early in period two. On the next shift, forward Luke Voltin (9th) charged into the Kings’ zone and fired a beauty toe-drag-snapshot to give the Vipers their first lead.

Lukosevicius (16th) wired his second of the night with a slick top-shelf snipe through traffic during a powerplay midway through the third period. Less than a minute later, Liam Finlay (13th) redirected an Aldworth shot in front of Wornig to complete the scoring at 11:12.

“We just made too many stupid mistakes that cost us goals,” said Kings’ head coach Kent Lewis. “The fifth one (by Finlay) summed it up. We get within two and I think we can do it. We just didn’t throw enough pucks on the net.”

Vernon head coach Mark Ferner praised his team for a terrific rebound effort after an erratic performance in Friday’s 6-3 loss to the Merritt Centennials.

“It’s a tough time of year to motivate kids, but they came out with a real good effort against a good hockey team,” said Ferner. “We understand they were shorthanded and possibly tired, but we don’t care who we play, we care how we play.

“We didn’t make it hard on ourselves. We limited our turnovers and our dee did a good job of getting the puck into our forwards’ hands.”

Powell River completed a ridiculous three-game road schedule against Vernon, with earlier stops in Port Alberni Thursday and Langley Friday. They also had three call-up players in the lineup as they were without snipers Stephen Hiff and Kurt Keats, and defensive stalwart Carmine Buono.

A one-week break and the Kings are right back at it against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs on Dec. 27 (Vernon gets a 12-day hiatus).

“We’ll have a quick break and get some bodies back in the lineup and hopefully get better,” said Lewis, a hard-nosed winger with the Nanaimo Clippers and WHL Victoria Cougars in the early ‘80s.

“Most of these kids in this league get a very little break. I’d love to see a 50- or 52-game schedule like when I played in the league.”

Liam Coughlin, named third star, set up both of Dumonceaux’s goals, the first with a hard backhander to the front of the net, where Dumonceaux was able to pounce on a rebound. The Boston native stretched the Kings’ defence with a cross-ice pass to d-man Johnny Coughlin (no relation), who fired on Wornig, and again Dumonceaux was well-positioned to deposit the rebound.

Johnny Coughlin, a Rochester, N.Y. product committed to the NCAA Holy Cross Crusaders, is thrilled to be heading back east for the break.

“I’m excited to get home, but at the same time, this is what I do. I’ve been here since August and it’s important for me to play well and finish the job here.”

Asked if he has anything special planned, Johnny Coughlin replied: “It’ll just be a lot of family time; I miss them a lot. Hopefully it’s a white Christmas.”

Schamerhorn recorded 23 saves for his 15th win, while Wornig made 44 stops for the Kings.

SNAKE BITES: Brandt delivered a hit-of-the-year candidate on Curtis McCarrick in the third period, steamrolling the unsuspecting Powell River forward in front of the penalty box as he rushed the puck up ice. It also earned the mulleted Trail agitator his second charging minor on the night...The game was delayed by 35 minutes because the referees were stuck in traffic following a fatal car accident by Duck Lake on Highway 97.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Former Vernon Vipers goaltender Andrew Hammond gave up three goals in twenty one seconds was pulled in a 5-3 loss to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms last week (Wednesday). The Hockey News is questioning, is this the worst goalie game ever?

Hammond is in his second season with the American Hockey League (AHL) Binghamton Senators.

Hammond attended the Ottawa Senators development camp in July before being released from the Sens Training camp.

After four seasons with Bowling Green University Hammond signed his first pro contract with the Ottawa Senators on March 20th 2013. Hammond played last year as a rookie with the American Hockey League (AHL) Binghamton Senators. In 48 games with Binghamton Hammond went 25-19-3 with one shutout and a 2.81 GAA.

Hammond was called up to the Ottawa Senators on February 27th 2014 vs the Detroit Red Wings. Hammond was the backup for Senators starting goaltender Robin Lehner that night but made his NHL debut after Lehner was pulled late in the 2nd period giving up six goals on fifteen Detroit shots. Hammond would finish the game playing just over thirty four minutes stopping all eleven Red Wing shots in a 6-1 loss to Detroit. Hammond attended the Chicago Blackhawks 2012 development camp and attended the Ottawa Senators 2013 development camp playing in a few exhibition games with the Senators last season. (no stats)

Hammond played parts of two years in Vernon (2007-2009) after coming over in a trade with the Surrey Eagles during the 2007-08 season. In 52 regular season games with the Vipers Hammond posted a (33-15-1) record recording 6 shutouts.

Sorry, Andrew Hammond. You’re a perfectly respectable goaltender. You had a solid college career at Bowling Green. You’ve been a reliable No. 1 with AHL Binghamton. You acquitted yourself well in 35 minutes of mop-up duty with Ottawa last season. We even featured your cool mask art, which includes Alfred E. Neuman dressed as the Hamburglar, in a recent issue of THN.

But, Andrew, my boy, we have to address the elephant in the room. Don’t fight it. Accept that Wednesday night against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms was epic. Own it.

Hammond played 36 seconds of hockey against the Phantoms. Three pucks flew his way. None touched him. All three found the back of the net in a 21-second span, making Lehigh Valley the fastest team to score three goals in a game. The fastest three goals by either side in a game came in 20 seconds, shared between the Worcester IceCats and Springfield Falcons in 1997.

Time for some fun with numbers. Divide three goals by 36 seconds, multiply that number by 60 (seconds), and multiply that number by 60 (minutes) to get Hammond’s GAA for the night. You get 299.999999. Probably fair to round that puppy up to an even 300.00.

The 36 seconds of glory jumped Hammond’s GAA from 3.13 to 3.31. Have a look at his night here. It’s OK if you have a short attention span. This won’t take long. Rimshot!

Enjoy it. Be proud of it.

Here’s hoping Hammond has a laugh about it and tells his grandkids someday. We raise a glass of eggnog to you, Mr. 300.

Matt Larkin is an associate editor at The Hockey News and a regular contributor to the thn.com Post-To-Post blog. For more great profiles, news and views from the world of hockey, subscribe to The Hockey News magazine. Follow Matt Larkin on Twitter at @THNMattLarkin

Vernon Vipers forward TJ Dumonceaux has been named the BCHL Player of the Week for the week ending Dec. 21, the league announced Monday.

Dumonceaux scored four goals and an assist as the Vipers won two and dropped one for the week. The Kelowna, B.C. native scored the eventual game-winner as part of a two-goal, one assist outing in a 9-0 win over Surrey where he was named 2nd Star. The 5-foot-10, 176-pound forward took 1st Star after scoring another game-winner as part of a two-goal effort in a 5-2 win over Powell River.

The 20-year-old Dumonceaux has already established new career highs in goals with 16 and points with 29 this season.

Monday, December 22, 2014

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Idaho Steelheads have
signed former Vernon Vipers forward Pearce Eviston to a try-out contract. No official press release from the Steelheads but Eviston was listed on the Steelheads Training Camp roster.

Eviston didnt play hockey last season, played parts of one season in Vernon (2012-13). The Vipers acquired the playing rights of Eviston from the Victoria Grizzlies on Seprember 19th 2011 for Jarryd Ten Vaanholt. Eviston currently playing with the WHL Portland Winterhawks at the time of the trade, joined-signed with the Vipers on August 3rd 2012. Eviston played in 34 regular season games with Vernon before being sent home. The Vipers ended up trading Eviston to Victoria on January 10th 2013 for future considerations.

Lyles started last season with the Federal Hockey League (FHL) Danville Dashers before joining the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) Pensacola Ice Flyers on December 27th 2014. In 16 games with the Dashers Lyles picked up (3-goals-13-assists-16-points). In 31 games last season with Pensacola Lyles collected (7-goals-7-assists-14-points). Lyles and the Ice Flyers won the 2014 SPHL Presidents Cup Championship in April.

Lyles left Boston College after two seasons played one season in Vernon (2010-2011) playing in 54 games with the Vipers collecting (8-goals-22-assists-30-points) before finishing his schooling (2011-2013) at UMass-Lowell University.

ESTERO, FL — The Florida Everblades 2014 Training Camp Opens Friday at Germain Arena, and the team will open camp with a 25-man roster which includes 14 forwards, 10 defensemen, and one goaltender.The Everblades head into the first day of camp with 16 ECHL contracted players, and nine tryout players. Defenseman Mike Little is currently attending the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) training camp, while forward Mitch Wahl is attending the Charlotte Checkers (AHL) camp. Four players from the Everblades’ Free Agent Camp in August earned tryout opportunities with the team: Andrew Flemming (G), Stephen Alonge (F), Christian Kraus (F), and Jordan CIccarello (D).The following is a complete listing of players who are on the ‘Blades opening day of training camp roster. (Contract type in parenthesis):

The 2014 Training Camp will run through October 11, which includes a pair of preseason games against the Orlando Solar Bears on October 10 & 11 at Germain Arena.

Opening Weekend! The Everblades open the 2014-15 season on Friday, October 17 against the South Carolina Stingrays. The first 5,000 fans will receive a magnet Schedule courtesy of Jack’s Cleaning! The two teams will meet again on Saturday, October 18. Opening Weekend is presented by the Passion Foundation and Riverchase Dermatology. Individual game tickets are currently on sale for the first four home games and preseason games. To purchase tickets stop by the Capital Bank Box Office located at Germain Arena, or online at www.ticketmaster.com

The Everblades are the proud ECHL affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning.

Sunday, December 21, 2014

The Merritt Centennials will have a little extra holiday cheer as they head into the Christmas break.

The Cents knocked off the B.C. Hockey League’s top two Interior teams to end their pre-holiday schedule, icing the Penticton Vees 5-1 Wednesday before doubling the Vernon Vipers 6-3 Friday night at Nicola Valley Arena.

Merritt, fourth in the six-team Interior at 19-13-0-2, nearly blew a 3-0 lead, but banked a trio of third-period snipes just over three minutes apart to secure the win.

“There were definitely some ups and downs for us in that game,” said Merritt assistant coach Joe Martin told Black Press. “The first period, we were very good. The second, we weren’t. Fortunately, things came together again in the third, and we managed to come away with a win.

“I give a lot of credit to our guys for putting the second period behind them at the intermission, and coming out and manufacturing a win.

“These last two games set you up for a good (Christmas) break or bad break. Our guys have shown that they deserve to be here, and that they can compete with the top guys and the top teams.”

Merritt’s line of Michael Ederer (first star), Colin Grannary (second star) and Brandon Duhaime, accounted for four of the Centennials’ goals, with Duhaime (4th goal) and Ederer (10th) pegging the hosts to a 2-0 first-period lead.

“We don’t win that hockey game without them in the lineup,” said Martin. “Those guys should feel pretty proud of themselves. They won us a hockey game against a good goalie (Jarrod Schamerhorn, 32 saves), a good defence, a good team. They were throwing the puck around really nice.”

A powerplay goal snipe by Nick Fidanza, his eighth of the year, had the Cents up by three 6:52 into the second frame before the 21-10-1-2 Vipers mounted a comeback.

Thomas Aldworth, powering his way up the wing before beating Jonah Imoo for his team-leading 25th goal, jumpstarted Vernon’s attack in the second half of period two.

Third star Liam Coughlin, capitalizing on a neutral-zone turnover, made a nice move on a Merritt defender and scored five-hole for his 14th. Captain Riley Guenther, with his second, on a powerplay, walked the blueline and fired a high one past a screened Imoo (27 saves).

Ederer (11th) and Grannary (10th) took advantage of some sloppy defensive turnovers by Vernon to put the game away in the third period. John Schiavo (18th), Merritt’s top point-getter with 18-21-39 in 34 games, fired on an empty net to complete the attack.

“Our start wasn’t good, but we found a way to crawl back into it,” said Vipers’ head coach Mark Ferner. “We turned pucks over in areas we can’t turn pucks over and it cost us the hockey game.”

Ferner has been disappointed by his team’s erratic play of late, and especially by its lack of commitment in the defensive zone.

“They’re chasing the puck like it’s a girl at the bar at last call,” said Ferner. “Anyone can play defence, they just have to want to do it.

“If these kids want to move on to the next level, the determination needs to be there.”

Ferner joked the Vipers had better bring a better effort in their final game before the break, which went Saturday against the Powell River Kings (15-11-0-7) at Kal Tire Place, or he might have to vent his frustration by bag-skating the kids he is coaching in a holiday hockey school.

“They (Vipers) can’t have a just-when-I-feel-like-it attitude,” he said. “Right now, we’re like a box of chocolates – we really don’t know what we’re going to get from one night to the next.”

The Snakes return to action Friday, Jan. 2 to face the Vees (27-5-2-1) at the South Okanagan Events Centre. They begin a three-game home stand at The Big Wheel against the Trail Smoke Eaters (12-18-0-2) Saturday, Jan. 3.

In other BCHL play Friday night, the Vees rebounded from their loss to Merritt by grounding the West Kelowna Warriors 4-2.

Cody DePourcq and Lewis Zerter-Gossage paced Penticton’s attack with a goal and assist each. Josh Bly bagged a deuce for the 18-11-0-5 Warriors.

The Salmon Arm Silverbacks built a two-goal lead and held on for a 4-3 win over the Smokies at the Shaw Centre.

Taro Hirose supplied the winner 4:37 into the final period. Vernon product Harlan Orr, a 19-year-old forward with Trail, cut the lead to one with 5:06 to play.

The ‘Backs, winners of two straight, improved to 12-13-3-5, while the Smoke Eaters have dropped eight straight.

Saturday, December 20, 2014

For anyone who could not attend or watch tonight’s Vipers game here are my thoughts and views from tonight’s game. You may agree or disagree but we all have our own view and opinion on any game we watch. This is my opinion and my thoughts on how I saw tonight’s game. I try to be unbiased and give a fare recap on both sides. Thanks for stopping by & visiting my blog.

I was at tonight's Vipers-Kings game as Vernon defeated Powell River 5-2 in front of 1,691 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Jarrod Schamerhorn
Powell River: Stefan Wornig

Tonight's game was delayed fourty minutes as the referees got stuck in traffic in Kelowna in a major accident this afternoon.

1st Period: The Vipers come out hard and strong took it to Powell River early and often out of the gate. Just a minute and a half into the opening period the Vipers were buzzing in the Kings end, Colton McCarthy with a great opportunity couldnt beat Stefan Wornig who made a big save early. A few minutes later Wornig was forced to make another big save off Luke Voltin in the slot. The Kings back on their heels couldnt get out of their own end as Vernon playing with a ton of jump had all kinds of pressure deep in the Powell River zone. Outshooting the Kings 7-0 Powell River would open the scoring on their first shot of the night. Kings leading scorer Jacob Pritchard with a hard working shift deep in the Vipers zone won the battle along the wall, spotted a wide open Jarid Lukosevicius who went upstairs on Jarrod Schamerhorn getting the Kings on the board first at 4:33 Pritchard with the lone assist. Vernon come right back with a strong push back, Liam Finlay with a nice pass in the slot setup Riley Brandt who was stopped by Stefan Wornig, within a few minutes Wornig then made a huge save off TJ Dumonceaux as the Kings netminder was keeping Powell River in the game early making some big stops. Off Dumonceaux's save Powell River come right back the other way, veteran JJ Coleshaw with a wrap around couldnt beat Jarrod Schamerhorn. Mitch Meek's point shot was redirected in front couldnt beat Wornig who again made another difficult save with traffic in front. The Vipers were all over Powell River in the first half outshooting the Kings 16-3 at this point. Just minutes past the midway mark Johnny Coughlin made a big defensive play breaking up JJ Coleshaw's pass on a Kings two on one rush. Vernon didnt generate nearly as much offence in the second half of the period still carried the majority of the play but were now having troubles getting pucks through to the net. Vernon with several good looks at the net, missed on most of their shots shooting high and missing the goal. With just over four minutes to go, the Vipers were able to clear the zone with Powell River putting on some late pressure got the puck to Thomas Aldworth who ripped a lazer of a shot past Stefan Wornig tying the game 1-1 at 16:06 Liam Coughlin with the helper. In the final minute Wornig stopped Thomas Aldworth at the side of the net with traffic in close had to be sharp made a tough save down low keeping this game tied. It was tied 1-1 after 20 minutes of play. It was all Vernon in the opening frame as the Vipers dominated the period. Vernon carried the play, outplayed the Kings the entire frame. The Vipers with lots of great scoring chances were stopped by Stefan Wornig who kept the Kings in the contest making several big saves. Powell River with very little pressure got very limited zone time in the Vipers end were lucky to be tied. Vernon outshot Powell River 20-4.

2nd Period: The Kings stormed out of the period on fire as Powell River come out hard taking it to the Vipers early and often. The Kings looking like a different team after the opening period had lots of jump were buzzing in and around the Viper goal early. Vipers starting goaltender Jarrod Schamerhorn was solid early made atleast three or four big saves in the opening minutes off of scrambles in front of the Viper goal. Colton McCarthy come back the other way lead an odd man rush couldnt convert on an open cage as the puck come out front Stefan Wornig went the other way as McCarthy just missed the open cage. Powell River would get the games first powerplay of the evening, early to start the period. Again Jarrod Schamerhorn was very good for the Vipers made several big saves down low with bodies in and around the top of the crease. It was now Vernon's goaltending that was keeping the Vipers in the game early. Vernon was able to kill off the Kings PP. Just as the penalty expired the Vipers responded come back just seconds later to take a two goal lead. Jagger Williamson setup Luke Voltin going to the net gave Vernon a 2-1 lead at 5:11 Williamson with the lone assist. Powell River playing a much better game in the first half of the period had a slight edge in play but as the period went on the Vipers slowly started to get rolling and took over the edge in play. Luke Voltin with a great opportunity in front couldnt beat Wornig, the Kings goaltender then made a big save off Liam Coughlin in front. At the halfway mark the Vipers would get their first look with the man advantage. TJ Dumonceaux with a great opportunity couldnt beat the quick glove of Kings starting goaltender Stefan Wornig who made a big glove save. Shorthanded JJ Coleshaw one on one forced Jarrod Schamerhorn to make a big glove save at the other end of the rink. The Vipers couldnt capitalize as the Kings would kill off the minor. Just as the penalty expired Vernon would respond with a quick goal. Liam Coughlin with a nice pass from the corner spotted TJ Dumonceaux in front put Vernon up 3-1 at 13:56 Coughlin & Anthony Latina collected the assists. In the final minute the Vipers were once again buzzing, Luke Shiplo with a nice move found some open ice, went hard to the net rang a shot off the mask of Wornig before stopping Liam Coughlin with a nice pad save. Vernon with some pressure and chances late were up 3-1 after 40 minutes of of play. Powell River responded with a much better period, come out strong. The Kings with some early pressure had the Viper defence back on their heels were all over Vernon early and often. Jarrod Schamerhorn was very good made several big saves in the opening minutes keeping this game tied. Schamerhorn also made a few big saves on a penalty kill, wich the Vipers were able to kill off before coming right back to take their first lead of the night. Powell River with a good first half to the period couldnt hold off the Vipers for long as Vernon really come on strong in the second half, taking it to the Kings. The Vipers with two goals once again were the better team. Shots were even 15-15.

3rd Period: In the opening minutes Mitch Meek setup Anthony Latina going to the net, redirected his shot just wide of the open cage as Vernon come close to taking a three goal lead. The Vipers with a strong start, come out hard once again were buzzing early and often. The Kings couldnt seem to get much going early were held in their own end. Luke Voltin with a strong play, kept the play alive took a big hit in the Kings zone allowed Liam Coughlin to spot TJ Dumonceaux in the slot beat Stefan Wornig for his second of the night, gave Vernon a 4-1 lead at 4:00 Coughlin and Johnny Coughlin with the helpers. Coughlin with an amazing stretch pass was able to thread the puck through a Kings defender landed the puck on Dumonceaux's stick before in the back of the net. Within a few shifts Thomas Aldworth come very close to giving Vernon a 5-1 lead after ripping a wicked wrist shot from the circle was stopped by the knob of Stefan Wornig's goal stick. Liam Coughlin then with a great chance couldnt beat Wornig down low. The Vipers with all kinds of pressure looked very dangerous early. The Vipers were really skating hard early and often had the edge in play before getting into penalty trouble. Powell River would get a very late two man advantage. Vernon was able to kill off the first PP but within seconds Jarid Lukosevicius with his second of the game ripped a wicked wrist shot from the high point beat Jarrod Schamerhorn high got the Kings to within two goals. But less then a minute later the Vipers responded and re-took a three goal lead. Thomas Aldworth setup Liam Finlay at 11:12 gave the Vipers a 5-2 lead. Aldworth and Johnny Coughlin with the assists. Off the following faceoff the Kings would get into penalty trouble taking a minor and losing Jarid Lukosevicius for the next ten minutes. Powell River was able to kill off the minor. From here on in the Vipers basically played dump and chase, would kill off alot of valuable time off the clock didnt allow the Kings to really try and get anything going for a late third period comeback. Vernon's defence was very solid in the final frame really shutdown the Kings attack. Powell River with a few good looks couldnt beat Schamerhorn who was solid all night. The Kings looked to be a little tired late in the period, didnt seem to have much left in the tank to finish the game. The Vipers with a few late chances would hold on for the 5-2 victory and sweep the season series with the Kings. Vernon with a strong start, got off to a good start attacked the Kings zone early and often. A big goal four minutes into the period put the Vipers ahead by three as they never looked back. The Kings with not alot offence in the period had a late two man advantage couldnt capitalize. Vernon kept coming and didnt back off played very well defensively. The Vipers outshot the Kings 14-6.

Top Players: (Vernon)

The line of Liam Coughlin (3 assists), TJ Dumonceaux (2 goals) & Thomas Aldworth (1 goal & 1 assist) Was very strong tonight. This line played very hard, saw alot of ice and was hard to contain all night. Coughlin was very good with and without the puck, was skating hard at both ends of the rink, made some really nice passes for goals tonight. Made atleast two defensive plays to break up a Kings rush. Dumonceaux was really flying, played with a ton of jump and energy. was physical was a real buzzsaw. Aldworth was hard to slow down and contain was hard to stop one on one.

The line of Anthony Latina (1 assist), Colton McCarthy and Luke Voltin (1 goal) also had a very strong night. I was very impressed with McCarthy's play. Id say played his best game as a Viper tonight. Was really skating, working hard, was all over the rink. Involved in the play, created and generated opportunities, was going to the net looked very good. Latina looked to get under the skin of the Powell River Kings as on several occassions several Powell River players went after the Viper forward during stopages in play. Voltin played a hard two way game this evening, was another Vernon player that was really skating hard-going to the net, worked and competed all night. Played with alot of jump and energy.

Luke Shiplo Played very well on the Viper defence. I thought Shiplo was very strong at both ends of the rink, saw alot of icetime was good with and without the puck. Generated some offensive chances was quick on his feet, made some smart plays.

Riley Brandt was another kid who was flying all night, played physical, seemed to be hitting everybody in his way. Was really buzzing, skating hard, created and generated some offensive chances, was involved in the play. This kid dosnt back down from no one, adds alot of jump and energy to the Vipers lineup.

Johnny Coughlin (2 assists) Played very well on the backend. Made a big defensive play in the first period, broke up a Kings two on one attack. Was steady all game.

Jarrod Schamerhorn (23 saves) Has played alot of hockey the past two months with Danny Todosychuk out of the lineup. Schamerhorn made his biggest saves in the 2nd period when the Kings were on the attack. Made several big saves early to start the 2nd period when the game was tied 1-1.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

After a dissapointing 6-3 loss in Merritt last night, the Vipers were ready to play tonight and responded with close to a sixty minute effort-performance tonight. Vernon come out of the gates hot, jumped on Powell River who played in Langley Friday were all over the Kings the entire 1st period. However Powell River would get on the board first on their first shot of the night, but this didnt set Vernon back. Instead they come right back with a strong push back, kept coming in waves eventually tied the game late. I thought the Vipers were the better team for most of the night, outplayed the Kings most of the night had the much better scoring chances and carried most of the play. Give Powell River some credit they did jump on Vernon early to start the 2nd period but the Vipers got some solid goaltending wich allowed them to stay in the game before taking the lead after a big penalty kill and then grabbing a two goal lead. The Vipers were outplayed at times early to start the second but as the period went on, got better and took over the play. I really liked Vernon's third period, the Vipers didnt sit on a two goal lead, instead they jumped on the Kings early, getting an early goal just minutes into the period to take a three goal lead and never looked back. Vernon was strong on the forecheck all night, won the battles, created and generated lots of good quality chances could have easily walked away with a 8-2 victory if it wasnt for Stefan Wornig. The Vipers now head into the Christmas break with a two week layoff. Former Viper forward Colton Sparrow was at tonight's game.

Top Players: (Powell River)

Jarid Lukosevicius (2 goals) Lead the Kings attack with both goals on the night. Lukosevicius has a wicked shot and seems to find the open ice. A good skater, played hard, physical and was involved in the play.

JJ Coleshaw I thought had most of the Kings scoring chances, seemed to be one of their better players tonight. A bigger body, can skate, move the puck and get pucks to the net. Created and generated chances but couldnt beat Jarrod Schamerhorn.

Stefan Wornig (44 saves) One of the bigger goaltenders Ive seen play this season kept his team in the game all night, gave the Kings a chance to win. Making fourty four saves kept Powell River in the game, espeically in the 1st period, making several big saves in a period where the Kings were lucky to get out of tied 1-1. Wornig has a very quick-good glove covers alot of the net, was very strong tonight between the pipes.

Game Thought's: (Powell River)

The Kings coming off an 8-5 loss in Langley Friday are on a seven game road trip where tonight they didnt generate much offence in a game where they were basically outplayed most of the night. The Kings had a much better start-period in the middle frame but couldnt keep up any sustained pressure or attack for the full twenty minutes. Powell River all over Vernon off the opening draw to start the second couldnt beat Jarrod Schamerhorn who kept the Vipers in the game with some solid goaltending. Powell River really needed a break or a lucky bounce here to take the lead, but would eventually give up an early goal fell down two goals heading into the 3rd. The Kings played most of the third in their own end couldnt get much going at all, had troubles with Vernon's speed and forecheck all night. The Kings with five regulars out of the lineup had troubles producing offence most of the night. Powell River couldnt seem to get any real sustained pressure for more then a few minutes. Any pressure or chances the Kings would get, they allowed the Vipers to come back the following shift and give up a goal, taking any momentum away from them. The Kings with just two wins in Vernon since the 2003-04 season.

1990 & 1991 Vernon Lakers Inducted Into Okanagan Sports Hall Of Fame

The 1969-70 & 1971-72 Vernon Essos were inducted into the Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame in November 2014

1999 Vernon Vipers Inducted Into BC Hockey Hall Of Fame

The 1999 Vernon Vipers were inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame In July 2016

On December 2nd 2017 the Vernon Vipers honoured the 1956 Vernon Canadians and former Vernon Esso's legend Wayne Dye. The 1956 Vernon Canadians Allen Cup banner along side Wayne Dye's #8 Legends banner were raised to the rafters at Kal Tire Place

Kal Tire Place-Home to the Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame

The Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1982 through the vision of Vernon resident and sports enthusiast, Nick Alexis. With the support of Vernon City Council, Alexis and a dedicated group of volunteers created a series of outdoor exhibits celebrating the region’s dynamic sporting history in Vernon’s Cenotaph Park. That same year, the new organization unveiled its first round of inductees to the Hall of Fame. Several years later, in 2001, the Hall of Fame moved its exhibits into the newly constructed Vernon Multiplex now known as Kal Tire Place.

About Me

I first created this blog in November of 2008. This coming season will be my ninth season doing this blog. I was born and raised in Vernon, BC and have been going to Junior Hockey games in Vernon since I was a young child. I purchased my first set of season tickets in 1990
I have had season tickets for the last 26 years, Since 1990 I have missed 42 home games.
In September of 2009 I missed my first home game since 2002-03 wich my streak of 236 straight Vipers home games came to an end. Ive missed just three Vipers home games since the 1998-1999 season.
I worked with the Vipers back in 2003-04 as colour comentator helping out with a few games over the internet. In 2011 I helped deisgn, create and put together the Vipers new website for the 2011-12 season. I ran and updated the Vipers website for five seasons, keeping all staff bios and pictures updated, adding new game photos, doing a game preview on game days, as well as adding any Vipers news, scores or BCHL news through out the season.
Over the years I have travelled to Victoria, Dauphin & Camrose to watch the Vipers in the RBC Cup. I was also at the 1990 Centennial Cup & 2014 RBC Cup in Vernon.